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The Best Drill Press

Last updated on September 4, 2019

We looked at the top 8 Drill Presses and dug through the reviews from 57 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Drill Presses.

Best Drill Press

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Our Picks For The Top Drill Presses

Show Contents
Our Take
Experts Included
Pros
Cons
  Best Overall

DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press

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DEWALT

2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press

Overall Take

The DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press has a quick-release feed, making it easy to shift between the two speeds. You can also complete tool-free chuck changes, adding to its ease of use. The 10-AMP motor helps you power through the toughest materials.

Experts Included
DWYM Outdoor and Garden Experts plus BestReviews, Tools First, Tool Nerds, Drill Press View, Heathy Handyman, Drilly and 3 more. Along with user reviews from Amazon.
Pros
" Heavy-duty w/a strong magnet"
Cons
"Some users noted that the cutters and drill chuck wobble because of the design."

JET 15-In Bench Model Drill Press

JET

15-In Bench Model Drill Press

Overall Take

A 3/4-horsepower motor makes the JET 15-In Bench Model Drill Press better with tougher jobs. But you'll also get more drill bit options, thanks to a 5/8-inch chuck size. One unique feature of this drill press is that the table tilts, giving you more leverage as you work. The cast-iron... Read More

Experts Included
DWYM Outdoor and Garden Experts plus Woodwork Nation, Drill Press View, BestReviews. Along with user reviews from Amazon.
Pros
" The 5/8-inch chuck size gives you more options when it comes to drilling, while the head swivels a full 360 degrees for maximum woodworking versatility."
Cons
"One thing to remember, this drill press doesn’t come with a light. So, you won’t be able to drill holes when it is too dark."
  Best Value

WEN 8-In 5-Speed Drill Press

WEN

8-In 5-Speed Drill Press

Overall Take

For the best overall value on a fantastic drill press, you’ll want to check out the Wen 4208 8-inch, 5-speed Drill Press. This tool is loaded with outstanding features including a ½ inch keyed chuck and on-board key storage, five speeds, ultimate accuracy in drilling and a 1/3 horsepower motor... Read More

Experts Included
DWYM Outdoor and Garden Experts plus Drill Press View, BestReviews, Wood Working Toolkit, Tool + Bark, Tool Powers, The Spruce and 2 more. Along with user reviews from Amazon and Walmart.
Pros
" Another great feature of the Wen 4208 drill press is its 5 speeds, which fall in between the 620 to 3100 RPM range (620, 1100, 1720, 2340, and 3100). These multiple speeds give you the chance to match drill bit..."
Cons
"As an entry-level tool, it is not packed with features"

Delta 18-Inch Laser Drill Press

Delta

18-Inch Laser Drill Press

Overall Take

You can get more exact cuts with the Delta 18-Inch Laser Drill Press, thanks to 16 speed settings that let you customize your work. Auto-tensioning also ensures your cuts are precise while also being more convenient to use. Its rugged build and heavy weight ensure durability even when you're putting... Read More

Experts Included
DWYM Outdoor and Garden Experts plus Drill Press View, Wood Working Toolkit, BestReviews, A Concord Carpenter, All Top Ten Reviews, Pro Tool Reviews and 2 more. Along with user reviews from Amazon.
Pros
" This drill press has TWINLASER guides installed in front of the head of the drill which works in collaboration with the bright LED lights to optimize the level of accuracy when drilling hole"
Cons
"The speed adjustment can be tedious at times. This is because it involves changing the relative position of the belts. Since this may require removing and re-installing the belt, it can be wearisome at times."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
15

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the drill presses available to purchase.
8

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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57

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Toolsy, Tool Nerds, Heathy Handyman, Woodwork Boss, Wise Pick.

11,740

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 8 Drill Presses and also dug through the reviews from 57 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Drill Presses.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in their category.

The Best Overall

DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press


Our Expert Score

9.6
9 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.5
58 user reviews

Our Take

The DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press has a quick-release feed, making it easy to shift between the two speeds. You can also complete tool-free chuck changes, adding to its ease of use. The 10-AMP motor helps you power through the toughest materials.

What other experts liked

Heavy-duty w/a strong magnet
- BestReviews
Solid design with a powerful motor.
- Tools First
March 7, 2019 | Full review
The unit’s 10.0 AMP motor makes short work of steel workpieces and allows one to adjust the speed according to the task at hand.
- Tool Nerds
March 23, 2018 | Full review
This one has an amazing 10 AMP motor that delivers when it comes to top notch performance. This one is easy to use and you have 2-speed settings to make your work easier.
- Drill Press View
These features include a quick-change chuck system that makes it possible for you to change between 3/4″ Weldon Shank and 1/2″ keyed chuck without using tools. The feeding handles can be placed on either side of the drill – also...
- Heathy Handyman
The machine is equipped with a powerful motor that can run its 2-speed setting with ease. With the ability to deliver a maximum current of 10 amps, it can drill through heavy steels easily.
- Drilly
Work speed efficiency is further incresed due to the quick release feed handles
- Sharpen Up
Its different speed setting enables you to use the tool for various purposes. The Dewalt DWE 1622K allows you to switch the speed to either 450 or 300 rotations per minute.
- Drill Press Guide
The DEWALT DWE1622K gives you optimal performance and a wide range of applications all due to the 10.0 Amp motor with 2 speed settings. Even heavy duty applications are possible because of the 4-3/8″ drill travel that provides maximum capacity.
- My Drill Press
October 4, 2018 | Full review

What other experts didn't like

While some users like the Quick Change chuck system, others find it ineffective, resulting in a "loose" fit.
- BestReviews
Some users noted that the cutters and drill chuck wobble because of the design.
- Tools First
March 7, 2019 | Full review
This unit offers only two speed settings, which isn’t that great when we compare it with the models of the competitors.
- Tool Nerds
March 23, 2018 | Full review
The chuck changing system is a bit of a drag to work with.
- Drill Press View
Chuck change system can be improved
- Heathy Handyman
The Quick-Change Chuck System May Lose Fit.
- Drilly
A single user complained about the quick release chuck system not being up to the job
- Sharpen Up
The speed stings are limited to only two options.
- Drill Press Guide
Drill overheat (rarely)
- My Drill Press
October 4, 2018 | Full review

The Best Bang For Your Buck

WEN 8-In 5-Speed Drill Press

Our Expert Score

9.3
8 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.6
1,105 user reviews

Our Take

For the best overall value on a fantastic drill press, you’ll want to check out the Wen 4208 8-inch, 5-speed Drill Press. This tool is loaded with outstanding features including a ½ inch keyed chuck and on-board key storage, five speeds, ultimate accuracy in drilling and a 1/3 horsepower motor for extreme power. In addition to all that, it is lightweight and compact so it’ll fit in most work spaces and can be easily transported to and from job sites. You can find a great product without spending a fortune when you choose this Wen Drill Press.

What other experts liked

Another great feature of the Wen 4208 drill press is its 5 speeds, which fall in between the 620 to 3100 RPM range (620, 1100, 1720, 2340, and 3100). These multiple speeds give you the chance to match drill bit sizes to the material you are drilling so that you...
- Drill Press View
April 29, 2016 | Full review
The base, table, and drill head are all made of cast iron, giving rigidity where it's needed most
- BestReviews
The speed is where we see the versatility of this unit. It has a 5 variable speed of 740, 1,100, 1,530, 2,100, 3,140 RPM that easily allows you to adapt to the materials you are drilling.
- Wood Working Toolkit
Durability: For a small benchtop drill press, the WEN is surprisingly tough. Made from solid high-quality metal, it will last you much longer than a drill press made with cheap plastic.
- Tool + Bark
January 19, 2019 | Full review
The 1/3 horsepower motor offers sufficient power when taking on even the hardest materials. The WEN 4208 has five adjustable speed settings to choose from – 740 RPM, 1,100 RPM, 1,530 RPM, 2,100 RPM, and 3,140 RPM. Y
- Tool Powers
The press sacrifices the more flexible variable control dial for a five speed switch that extends all the way to 3140 RPM.
- The Spruce
February 26, 2019 | Full review
Powerful 5-speed, able to handle all of your different materials and situations, it can also handle various different sizes/thicknesses.
- Drill Press Pro
The drill press does not produce any noise and works as quietly as possible leading to a better working environment in your workshop.
- My Drill Press
September 28, 2015 | Full review

What other experts didn't like

Manual alignment is required
- Drill Press View
April 29, 2016 | Full review
As an entry-level tool, it is not packed with features
- BestReviews
Weak motor of 1/3 HP can stall when drilling high-density metal of more than 1/2 inch. Not recommended for hardened steel.
- Wood Working Toolkit
Top heavy: This particular WEN model is slightly top heavy. To prevent it from moving around while you work, you’ll need to bolt this drill press to your workbench before you start.
- Tool + Bark
January 19, 2019 | Full review
Although the manufacturer boasts a 2-inch depth in drilling, some customers found that this drill doesn’t come with enough torque to even get past the first inch or so of soft materials like oak or maple.
- Tool Powers
For some larger objects the WEN 4208 may not be able to accommodate, but this is rarely the case for your average DIY or professional.
- Drill Press Pro
Doesn’t provide simplicity; drill press can occasionally wobble throughout usage
- My Drill Press
September 28, 2015 | Full review

Overall Product Rankings

1. DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press

Overall Score: 9.3
Reviews Included: 12

2. JET 15-In Bench Model Drill Press

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 6

3. WEN 8-In 5-Speed Drill Press

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 11

4. Delta 18-Inch Laser Drill Press

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 11

5. WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 11

6. Dremel Rotary Tool Workstation Drill Press

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 8

7. Shop Fox Oscillating Floor Drill Press

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 10

8. SKIL 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 12

Our Drill Press Buying Guide

Drilling into metal, wood and other materials can be tough, especially if you have nothing to anchor it in place. A drill press helps you drill holes into almost any type of material both quickly and efficiently. There are two major types of drill presses: floor and benchtop. Although floor models can tackle bigger projects, benchtop drill presses take up less space and can handle most drilling tasks with ease.

First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure your drill press can handle the challenges you’ll put in front of it. That generally means versatility. Drill presses with speed control built in make it easy to switch from one speed to another to customize your drilling power. You should also look at how many options you’ll have for speeds. Some drill presses only have a couple of speed settings, while others give you the option of as many as 16 speeds.

Weight is another factor. Drill presses usually aren’t portable items, so heavier can actually be better. It will provide a sturdiness you’ll need when working with heavy-duty metals. But some bench drill presses are much larger than others, so make sure you have room for the model you choose.

Your first concern when you buy your drill press will be setting it up. Weight factors into this. You may invest in a heavier drill press due to the stability it provides when tackling tougher jobs, but keep in mind that you may need help when it’s time to set it up. A 300 pound-plus drill press will be tough to tackle alone.

There are many little things that add up to accuracy when drilling. One is the type of drill bits and chucks you use, but another is simply the ability to see what you’re doing. Many drill presses have lights to illuminate your work area. So be sure to look for that, especially if your shop isn’t well lit. Some drill bits have a built-in scale to help you choose the depth and keep things consistent throughout a project.

Lastly, there’s the issue of price. You can pay more than $1,000 for a drill press, but you can also find them in the low hundreds. Determine your budget and exactly how much you’re willing to spend. You may find some of the more advanced features aren’t worth the extra money.

DWYM Fun Fact

A drill bit is a specialized tool made to cut through materials in order to make holes. You can buy drill bits in a wide variety of sizes, geared toward the type of work you’re planning to do. When you’re choosing a drill bit, you’ll find that there are certain features that play into how they work. One of those features is shank size, with many shanks designed to fit into a 3/8-inch chuck. If you have thicker, tougher materials, though, a hexagon-shaped shank can make a big difference in your results. The length of the flute on your chosen bit also determines how deep it can cut into the material you’re using. At the same time, the length of the bit itself, minus the shank, will factor into how accurate your cuts are.

The Drill Press Tips and Advice

  • One of the first factors to consider when looking for a drill press is versatility. Since you’ll probably be working with different materials, you’ll need a drill press versatile enough to shift from drilling a hole in a thin sheet of metal to handling an extra-thick piece of wood. The DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press has a quick-release feed handle to change the speed, even though you’ll only get two speed settings: 450 or 300 rotations per minute. The WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill ranges from 580-3,200 RPMs, building in a speed regulator that you simply turn when you want to adjust the speed. The WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill’s variable speed mechanism is mechanical, giving you consistent power and torque no matter what speed you choose. The LED screen on the WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill makes it even easier to control the speed since you can see how fast your drill is working at all times.
  • One of the key elements in your drill press is the belt drive system. You’ll want to find a drill that has auto-tension for its drive system, which means speed changes flow seamlessly and your tension and motor alignment are consistent from start to finish.
  • Your drill press will be fitted with a chuck that will need to be changed from one project to the next. The DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press makes it easy to switch between a 3/4-inch and 1/2-inch keyed chuck – no tools needed. Some don’t like the looser fit they get with a quick-change system, though.
  • The motor on your drill press also plays into how powerful it is. You’ll want to find a drill that has a 3/4 horsepower motor that can handle a wide variety of materials. With the DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press, you get a 10-AMP motor that can power right through even heavy steels.
  • The WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill’s 2/3 horsepower, 5-AMP motor struggles with metal sheets, which means it may take longer than you expect. It’s best for those who plan to primarily work with wood.
  • Although size can indicate the power of the drill, you’ll want to consider the convenience and placing within your workspace. The DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press measures at 22.4 x 6.5 x 19.3 inches and the WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill, at 13.5 x 36.6 x 16.8 inches.
  • Build contributes heavily to how long any tool lasts. But with a drill press, it also offers a sturdiness that helps with your projects. The DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press has a strong magnet. The design can lead to some wobbling in the cutters and the drill chuck with certain jobs, though.
  • Another factor impacting the DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press is the fact that it has a 4 3/8-inch drill travel that helps it reach even farther than competitors.
  • If you’re looking for a low price on a drill press, the  DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press is mid-range.
  • You may also want to find a drill with guides on the head. These guides make it easy to see what you’re doing, improving your accuracy while you’re drilling.
  • Another feature that can help you monitor your work is a light. The WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill comes with work lights to help with visibility.
  • Beware of powerful drills as they can tend to overheat causing a lapse in work time while you wait for it to cool down.
  • Assembly can be a bit complicated with some models, so keep that in mind before your drill press arrives. The WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill is easier to put together than most. With the heavier drill presses, keep in mind that you may need a second person to maneuver it while putting it together.

About The Author

Stephanie Faris 

Stephanie Faris is a novelist and professional writer. She lives in a beautiful one-acre home in the suburbs on the outskirts of Nashville. Her home and garden work has appeared on popular home sites. She's a true homebody and loves looking at new houses for sale for inspiration on her own home remodeling projects.